Verna Mae Heern

CARBONDALE - Verna Mae Heern, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

Verna was born on August 2, 1930 in Flint, MI to Noel and Gaynell (Bump) Throgmorton. Verna married Ira Lee Heern in 1949. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2004. 

Verna earned her GED after starting her family. She worked as cook at Unity Point School for several years. She then went on and got her Associate's Degree and devoted herself to nursing, working in various nursing homes, hospitals, and eventually serving the community through the Jackson County Health Department, from which she retired.

Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless individuals and families, offering them the care and comfort they needed. A proud member of the Eastern Star, Verna found joy in connecting with others through service and charity. She was also an avid gardener, delighting in the beauty of her flower gardens and sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. Verna's nurturing spirit extended beyond her profession, she loved to cook and would share those skills by teaching others in her home.

Verna is survived by her sons, Kenneth Heern and Terry (Elaine) Heern; grandchildren, Tracy (Joseph) Brown, Bridget (Mark) Hawthorne, Kendra (David) Jones, Ross (Bethany) Heern and Jonathan Heern; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale (Diane) Throgmorton and Jerry (Dorothy) Throgmorton; sisters, Barbara Earll, Dorothy Throgmorton, and Doris Anne Throgmorton. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ira Heern; infant daughter, Shirley; son, Johnny Bill Heern; daughter-in-law, Deborah Cowan; siblings, Vera Perriman, Jean Wyatt, Noel Throgmorton, Jr., Joe Throgmorton, Donald Lee Throgmorton, Raymond Throgmorton and Jimmy Throgmorton. 

Private graveside services were held for Verna at Makanda Evergreen Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made in Verna’s name to Makanda Evergreen Cemetery. 

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Verna visit www.meredithfh.com